It’s no suprise in the film world that Spike Lee and Tyler Perry aren’t the best of buds. The great contrast between the type of films from both directors is a testament to why they share separate views on what film content should be. Spike Lee, who’s known for films like Malcolm X and Do The Right Thing, gives movie goers a more in-depth viewpoint on the struggles of the Black race. While on the other hand, Tyler Perry, playwright and now movie producer/director, used a family member’s characteristics to develop the Madea character which has catapulted Perry’s films and plays to a mega-million empire. But beyond the money their films gross, should there really be an issue with how they decide to be artistically creative?

Actor Idris Elba, who recently lost a film role to Tyler Perry, spoke to a group of students at Rutgers University recently and shared his opinion on Perry’s films.  Peep the excerpt spotted at NecoleBitchie.com:

“Can I be candid? I don’t like all of Tyler Perry’s films. Yes, I did work with Tyler for “Daddy’s Little Girls” because it portrayed a positive image of a black father. I am happy for Tyler’s success…we need Tyler Perry…by going to support his movies, we need to show economic strength. But we are also responsible for elevating film. I’m not with buffoonish characters like Madea or Big Momma.”

Was this shade thrown because he lost the role as Alex Ross? Or does Elba make a legitimate point? What do you think?

In my opinion, we are all individuals. As an individual, you have the right to create films the way that you want. There are enough movie goers and critics to go around. So filmmakers should keep the content diverse. There is screen space for Spike and Tyler.

Do you think Tyler Perry’s films project buffoonery??